Special effects training courses

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ACHIEVE MORE THAN SPECIAL.

The Physical SFX world has been lacking in comprehensive training schemes.

Learning ‘on the job’ is valuable but relies on a hierarchy with a commitment to instruction and development. Often the pressures of schedule and budget means that time is short and structured training falls to the bottom of priorities.

These courses intend to put that right. A selection of course, from introductory to intense technical training, designed to make the SFX world more accessible, inclusive and safe.

Close-up of a rocket stove with a chimney emitting white smoke, outdoors with grass in the background.

SFX101:
An Introduction to Special Effects

  • The structure

    The unique protocols

  • It's not what you think

  • Smoke

    Wind

    Rain

    Fire

    Explosion!

  • Maximum Impact - Minimum Force

  • Safety first.... always

  • Putting the above skills into practice

What you’ll learn:

A house on fire with flames visible through the windows and smoke coming out, a fire truck parked nearby, and firefighters on the scene.

SFX102:
TECHNICAL TOOLS TO RAISE YOUR SFX GRADING

  • Smoke or vapour?

    Is it safe to breath?

    Importance of particle size and hang time

    Investigating models available and pros and cons

    Exterior smoke machines; how do they differ. Safety.

    Layflat principles and methods

    The effects of smoke effects on the environment

  • Assisting your pyrotechnic Supervisor

    Types of explosives commonly used

    High Explosives or Low Explosives?

    Understanding packaging labels

    Safe working practice basics

    Safe handling and storage

    The Law

    Firing equipment

    Rigging methods

    The effects of pyrotechnics on the environment

  • Pressure vessels : The Law and safe working practice

    High pressure or high flow?

    Types of release valves

    Hopper design

    Soft debris

    Simulated explosion principles

    Creating the right fireball

    Importance of purging

    Pressure, valve speed and ignition method

    The effects of mortars on the environment

  • Properties and dangers of flammable gases

    Hoses, pipes and valves

    Hearth fires in a set

    Hearth fires on location

    The importance of extraction

    Rigging, braziers, flambeaus and sconces

    Clean burn techniques

    Car fires - methods

    Building fires - methods

    Stunt burns - golden rules

    The effects of fire effects on the environment

  • Electricity basics

    Low voltage DC

    Batteries and adapters

    Mains voltage principles

    Black to black, red to red and blue to pieces?

    Power supplies on location

    Is the generator big enough?

    IP numbers

    Understanding Volts and Amps

    Sustainable use of electricity

  • Basics of pneumatics and hydraulics

    The differences - pros and cons

    Pressure and flow

    Pneumatic valves and actuators

    Combining with other effects

  • The Law

    Duty of Care

    Protecting yourself - Who is responsible?

    PL insurance and PI insurance

    Protecting yourself - PPE

    Risk assessments

What you’ll learn:

Is this course for me?

This is our primary course aimed at technicians that have had some experience of on set work. Suggested for Trainee and/or Assistant grades that want to improve their background science and physics knowledge to support ‘on the job’ training received on set. Qualification from this course should boost their job record and accelerate their rise through the grades. Other grades and non-graded technicians also very welcome.

Training course enquiry

Due to demand on productions we run our course on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.

Get in touch to express your interest in taking part.

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CONTACT
01497 831436